Preparing for Court: What You Need to Know About Probate


Television shows and movies show a Will being read at a funeral, as if the Will is automatically valid and assets can be distributed immediately. Unfortunately, the probate process is more complex and time intensive. This blog post will explain …

Top Six Things to Consider When Planning for Blended Families


The increase in divorce rates in the U.S. has resulted in a greater number of blended families. Blended families tend to give rise to unique estate planning circumstances and opportunities. The following should be considered when planning for blended families:…

Planning Ahead: 5 Ways to Mitigate Risk in Probate Litigation


Under the umbrella of probate litigation falls guardianship and conservatorship disputes, Will and trust contests, fights over family real estate and whether or not a gift was actually meant to be a gift. The most basic and streamlined approach to …

I Don’t Have to Worry About Estate Taxes… Right?


You do not need to be exceedingly wealthy to be impacted by the estate tax. Many of our clients are surprised to learn that tax is imposed on Massachusetts estates exceeding $1 million in value. When considering a home, retirement …

I Want to Contest My Parent’s Will. What Is the Process?


While still grieving the death of your mother, you receive a Notice from the Probate and Family Court informing you that your good-for-nothing brother has filed a Petition for Probate seeking to be appointed as Personal Representative of your mother’s …

Power of Attorney for My Incapacitated Parents – What Are Our Options?


A sensitive and often complicated conversation that individuals have with their aging parents relates to protective measures in the event of the parents’ incapacity. A power of attorney and the variations of such concerning the relinquishment of financial control require …

Too Young for an Estate Plan? Think Again


For young adults, the inevitable is typically not at the forefront when it comes to making future plans, precluding many from giving any thought to what may happen to their assets on death. In reality, all young adults should have …

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Can a Prenuptial Agreement Protect My Assets After Death?


In terms of would-be celebrations, no one was more upset about COVID-19 than the couples whose weddings were derailed by a year or more of pandemic-induced delays. For those who survived quarantining together and still like each other enough to …

"I Care A Lot" – Could It Happen to Me?


If you’re a probate attorney (or someone with a Netflix account), I expect you’ve seen or heard about the somewhat disturbing film “I Care a Lot.” The movie, which debuted on Netflix in February 2021, is a dark comedy illustrating …

Do I Need to Nominate a Guardian for My Child or Pet?


In the unfortunate situation where you are not available to care for your child or pet, it is prudent to plan ahead by nominating a guardian for your child and/or pet. Advance planning avoids potential court fights over control and …